Registered Nurse - Intensive Care Unit

Summary

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse will provide direct care for acutely or critically ill patients who are at high risk for actual or potential life‑threatening health problems – regardless of the setting for nursing care.

• English Language Proficiency – in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f); a person shall serve only if proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed:
  The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Individuals attending a master’s level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor’s level degree in Nursing may have the opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program.
• Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on a temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program.
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005 – Appendix G6.
• Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing – possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration meets the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment as a nurse who has completed an associated degree or entry‑level nursing education program.
• Credit for foreign nursing education higher than associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) or the District of Columbia.
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception:
  Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements but do not possess the required licensure may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120‑day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case‑by‑case basis).
  
  NOTE:
  
  Grandfathering Provision – All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification.
• Grade Determinations:
  Scope, Education, and Dimension criteria must be met in determining grade assignment of candidates – and if appropriate – the level within a grade.
• The Dimension requirements (Practice – Veteran/Patient Driven Care – Leadership – Professional Development and Evidence‑Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level in the online assessment: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Questionnaire/.
• Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I – Level I:
  Delivers fundamental, knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies.
• Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing – no additional professional nursing required.
• Nurse I – Level II:
  Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills, and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex needs.
• ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 1; OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required.
• Nurse I – Level III:
  Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning; self‑directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations.
• ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I – Level 2.
• BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I – Level 2.
• Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) and no…